Image credits: Pottery Barn, Cola Corner
Classic themes like Coca Cola can add a touch of nostalgia to any gathering. Especially fitting for a picnic or BBQ, the crisp colors of red and white create a perfect setting for any happening. The antique ice box featured in the Pottery Barn (http://potterybarn.com) catalog sets the scene for a diner inspired theme of Coca Cola memorabilia from Cola Corner (http://colacorner.com). Check out everything from dinnerware to décor and even games for entertainment – all from the Coca Cola collectibles store.
With the recent launch of the new culinary series from The World of Coca Cola, Chefs Virginia Willis, Richard Blais, and Paula Dean all offer signature recipes with Coke as their inspiration. You can find all the details at http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com .
The Little Black Dress is a classic choice for every occasion including the perfect party theme to get the girls together for some fun. Whether you’re having a bridal luncheon, a shower, a divorce party, a promotion party, or even just an inspirational party, a Little Black Dress Party is an ideal party theme all the girls can relate to. Get the party details…
http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/Entertaining-Little-Black-Dress-Party.shtml
A lot of people chase away those winter blues with a cruise to a tropical paradise. But if travel is not in your budget or schedule, then do the next best thing – have a cruise party. Gather some friends for a relaxing day on board the SS BluesChaser. Invite everyone over for dinner at the Captain’s table. Check out the details here…
http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/Entertaining-DinnerAfloat.shtml
As the weather outside gets colder and the icicles grow longer, now is a great time to heat things up with a winter time party. Invite everyone over to thaw out and have some fun. A cozy circle of friends cuddled up in front of a crackling fire with good food and good company is sure to brighten even the dreariest of cold winter days. Check out all the details here…
http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/Entertaining-FiresideChat.shtml
Cookies are a popular item this time of year and it’s always fun to offer something out of the ordinary to family and friends when entertaining at home. The new 3D stand up cookie cutters from Nordic Ware provide the At Home Entertainer with a new twist on an old favorite. From centerpieces to place cards, take a look at these… http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/Bakeware-3D-cookie-cutters.shtml
Outdoor entertaining is one of the joys of spring. Whether it is Father’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, or a special occasion for your gang, take the party outside with a picnic. Pick up some galvanized buckets and pails from your local home improvement store to use to keep beverages on ice but also for serving chips and even salads. Small galvanized containers can be found at craft stores and are perfect for holding condiments.
For some fun summer entertaining ideas take a look at http://happeningsandholidays.com/index1.shtml
Is spring your chance to get back in the garden? Start now by planting a terrarium for a centerpiece. Shop your local garden supply store for an appropriate container, order an apothecary jar online, or simply use a fish bowl from your local pet store. Fill the bottom, placing pebbles or small rocks up the sides and soil in the center. Plant small ferns such as Myers Asparagus Fern or Leatherleaf Fern in the container for an earthy display. Or if you prefer something low and long as your centerpiece, plant ornamental grasses or succulents in a lined wooden box or planter. With either choice, strenghten and brighten the natural look with lime green table linens. This works especially well with dark dishes like brown and black.
Are you looking for new ideas to bring spring to your house? Take a look at http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/index2.shtml
If your idea of spring is a luau, order exotic flowers like orchids and some bamboo leaves from your florist. Set the banana leaves in the center of your table and create a centerpiece with the flowers. For a colorful table, use tropical print table linens in vibrant colors. Place an orchid in the center of each plate.
For a bit more whimsical feel, cover the table with a grass skirt, place drink umbrellas on each plate and use coordinating Hawaiian print shirts as chair covers.
If you are looking for ways to bring spring to your house, take a look at http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/index1.shtml
If spring to you means you are counting down the minutes until the pool opens, icreate a water theme on your dining table now. Pale shades of blue table linens in cotton, chambray, or linen will make a calming sea of your table. In the center of the table, use pieces of coral, sand dollars, and large seashells to create a shoreline or fill a fish bowl with shells to create a sea inspired tablescape. Use sand dollars as place cards by writing each person’s name in silver ink and setting it on top of a folded napkin on each plate.
For more table setting ideas for spring or any time of year, go to http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/index2.shtml
One of the greatest things about summer is that as the weather warms up, it increases our living area dramatically - out doors. Spring gives us the perfect opportunity to start preparing now for that expanded space.
Create a container garden in colorful pottery around your table with annuals and perennials so it feels like you are outside. Gradually add flowers in containers outside - working your way out into the yard. If you choose flowers which come in a variety of shades, you can incorpoate just about any color of dinnerware with them. Use table linens in corresponding hues for a casual, welcoming feel or contrast the colors for a more dramatic look. Or coordinate the flowers to your dinnerware. If your dishes are country casual with roosters, use Black Eyed Susans or Coreopsis in your containers. If your dishes have a contemporary black & white pattern, use Pansies or Red Hots to add dramatic contrast.
For more table setting ideas, go to http://www.happeningsandholidays.com/index1.shtml